telling me that Justin has told him what happened. “I'm glad you're all right.” He smiles and I can see the same warmth in his smile as I do in Justin's.
“Thank you,” I speak as loud as I can, which comes out as a raspy whisper.
“I was just having the Sheriff run the license plates on that sedan we saw this morning.” I stare up at him. He beat me to it. Oh well, one less thing I have to have Tommy do.
“Oh, the movie star,” I try to joke. This gets me a warm smile and a kiss on the forehead.
“Yeah, the movie star,” he chuckles.
“It is a rental car, the renter is Reed Smith,” Sheriff Bennett says, announcing Cody's cover name. “I ran the name. Nothing suspicious, son, you can relax,” he says, although now I'm anything but relaxed. Why is someone using Cody's cover to spy on me? It can't be a coincidence, can it? I need to talk to Cody, now.
“Yeah, I guess,” he says to his dad.
“I got to get going. Nice to meet you, Ellie, and I hope you feel better soon,” he says, nodding politely.
“That is Cody's cover,” I say as soon as Sheriff Bennett is out of earshot.
“What? Cody, your partner, Cody? Why would he be watching you on vacation?” Justin asks me the same questions I am asking myself.
“Where's my purse?” I had it this morning and left it in the Jeep when we got to the cave.
“Inside, I put all your stuff in the living room.” He points in the boat.
Still a little unsteady on my wobbly legs, Justin keeps his arm around my waist as we go inside. I find my cell and call Cody straight away.
“Where are you?” is the first question I ask.
“Relax, I'm in D.C.,” he says instantly. “Is this about the tail?” I feel instant relief knowing that it is Cody's doing and not someone else's. Not sure who that someone else would be, but either way I feel relief.
“Yes, why are you having me—”
“I was worried after we talked last night, so I had an agent in Augusta come to check things out. I had him use my cover so you would know it was me,” he explains, like it makes perfect sense. "Are you okay? You sound like you have a cold," he comments at the sound of my voice.
“I'm fine, just a sore throat. Why were you worried?” Justin is sitting beside me and I can see he is chomping at the bit wanting to know what is being said.
“I think, and I'm not sure yet so don't panic, but the McGill brothers might have had some dealings with LDR,” he says, making my heart start to race.
“Is this recent activity?” I try to steady my breathing. As Justin senses my reaction, he stands and starts pacing in front of me.
“I'm still checking. There was a transmission intercepted two years ago. It wasn't much, but it was enough to put The Sweet Suzy on a watch list. The thing is, it only stayed on that list for four days. There's nothing as to why it was on or why it was off so fast,” he says, puzzling me more.
“So what now?” I don't know if I'm in danger. If anyone is still left of LDR, it could be very bad. Another reason I've not returned to Chicago, was just in case there were still some of them around. As far as they all know, Ellie Michaels, Chico's girlfriend, died the day of the bust.
“It's your call. I checked into your boyfriend a bit.” He sounds condescending when he says boyfriend. “Navy SEAL, impressive,” he chuckles, “but everything seems like it's on the up and up with him. Discharged with honors and a medal. There is a mission that he was on just before he was discharged that is totally redacted, but it was top secret so that could explain that. I would say you are safe with him. I'm sure the two of you could kick some major ass. Other than The Sweet Suzy, everything about Bailey Island seems safe. There is no movement on Juan, or Fausto, so no worries there. I'm still working on it though and will keep you informed,” he says. I guess it makes me feel better. “I'll keep in touch,” Cody adds before hanging up.
“Well?” Justin asks the moment my phone leaves my ear.
“He was just checking on me, he's a worry wart.” I decide fast